Definition
Time off work that employers must grant to employees summoned for jury service. Employers are not legally required to pay employees during jury service, but employees can claim a loss of earnings allowance from the court.
UK Context
The Juries Act 1974 governs jury service in England and Wales. All employees are eligible for jury service between ages 18 and 76. Employers must release employees for service and cannot dismiss them for attending. The court can fine individuals who fail to attend without a valid reason. Self-employed people and company directors are also liable.
Best Practices
- Maintain full pay during jury service for at least the standard 10-day period as a retention benefit
- Only seek deferral when the employee's absence would genuinely cause serious harm to the business
- Require employees to return to work on days when they are released early from court
- Include a clear jury service section in the employee handbook covering pay, expenses, and reporting obligations
Frequently Asked Questions
Must an employer pay employees during jury service?
No. There is no legal obligation to pay employees during jury service. However, many employers choose to maintain pay as a policy. Where the employer does not pay, the employee can claim a loss of earnings allowance from the court, currently up to £64.95 per day for the first 10 days.
Can an employer refuse to release an employee for jury service?
No. Employers must release employees for jury service. However, they can apply to the court for a deferral (not an exemption) if the absence would cause serious harm to the business. Jury service can only be deferred once.
How long does jury service last?
Standard jury service lasts 10 working days (2 weeks). Complex cases can last longer, sometimes several weeks or months. The court will inform the juror if a longer trial is expected.